Daniela Calderon, a recent Hancock College graduate, was recently selected as one of the top 30 students enrolled in California’s Community Colleges.
The honor comes from Pi Theta Kappa Honor Society, an organization that recognizes scholarship among two-year college students and strives to provide opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service, and fellowship programming. Calderon will join the other 29 students as members of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s All-California American Team.
“I sat in my car and cried when I realized what happened. I thought of everything before that moment and couldn’t believe how far I had come,” Calderon said of the honor in a press release from Hancock. “I have always done very well in school and received awards. But for some reason, this one is different. This time is different, and I am different.”
Calderon is the first member of her family to attend college. She graduated from Hancock in 2014 with an associate’s degree in communication studies and a 3.55 cumulative grade point average. From there, she transferred to California State University, Chico, where she is now working toward her degree in organizational communication and marketing.
While at Hancock, she was a member of Alpha Gamma Sigma, Hancock’s honor society and service club that welcomes high-achieving students.
“Daniela comes from a challenging family life and worked 90 hours per week while attending Hancock,” said Alpha Gamma Sigma advisor Mary Alice Majoue in the press release. “She always had a lot on her plate, but she was always very positive, motivated, and put other people’s needs before hers. Now, it is her time to be in the spotlight.”
In return, Calderon thanks Majoue and other Hancock faculty and staff for their support throughout her time at the college.
“I would not have been able to grow without the college and all the help and inspiration I received from people like Mary Alice Majoue, who helped me in the Math Center as an advisor and friend. Herb Elliot and Rob Meyer put in extra effort to help me overcome my struggles. Last, but certainly not least, Basil Jenkins inspired me more than any other person I have ever met,” Calderon said in the release. “I will always be grateful to all of them.”
Calderon will be honored during a Phi Theta Kappa awards luncheon in Sacramento on April 7. During the ceremony, a few of the students will be selected for the Phi Theta Kappa All-American Community College Scholarship Team. Last year, 12 Californians were selected and granted generous scholarships.
“To be named an All-American would be the ultimate recognition and acknowledgement of my life. Either way, I am extremely proud and honored to represent Hancock on the All-California American Team,” Calderon said in the release.
Calderon hopes to become a motivational speaker after graduation to share her story with others.
This article appears in Apr 2-9, 2015.